Become part of the world’s largest mountain biking movement, and help those who help keep our trails open by signing up your significant singletrack shredder for an International Mountain Bicycling Association membership. Your money will help fund everything from trail building efforts, to land-manager training, to lobbying D.C. powerbrokers. And if you want something besides a membership card to stick under the tree, grab the 2103 IMBA Calendar ($18). It’s full of spectacular riding photos.

This snappy-looking belt is made from recycled bike tubes, with four layers of rubber stitched together, allowing a comfortable amount of “expansion” after those big holiday meals. Removable buckle is brushed steel. This good-looking, earth-friendly accessory comes in three colors and six sizes.

Part of Specialized’s expansive MTB tire line, the Ground Control is a versatile model suitable for almost any trail condition. Sharp corner knobs with closely spaced center lugs deliver Velcro-like traction without slowing you down. The tire is available in a variety of options, ranging from 60tpi casing for aggressive trail riding, to supple, lightweight 120tpi for XC racing. Sizes include 26x 1.9, 2.1, 2.3, and 29x 1.9, 2.1.

Stay warm, dry, and protected from the sun with Pearl Izumi’s long-sleeve Barrier base layer. The front panel is made from a windproof fabric that’s combined with Pearl’s P.R.O. Transfer Fabric with Minerale. Translation: Moisture is pulled away from your skin quicker, dry time is short, and this base layer wont get all stinky even after a huge day of sweaty pedaling.

Camelbak’s lightweight Charge LR has a unique delta-shaped 70-ounce bladder that fits around your lower back. That means the heaviest part of the pack is stabilized around your hips, not bouncing around on your shoulders. The minimalist design keeps weight down, but leaves room for essential items such as multi-tool, pump, spare tube, extra clothing, food, phone, wallet, and car keys.

Nothing inspires a rider like high-quality photos of stunning mountain bike action. Several of mountain bike’s top photographers sell prints of their best work. Pick one up from Sterling Lorence, Dan Barham, or Jordan Manley.

Be ready for any light conditions with these stealthy shades that come with tint- adjusting photochromic lenses. The PivLock’s frameless design keeps weight minimal. Adjustable nosepiece allows for a snug fit no matter what shape nose you have.

Capture first-person perspective video of your raddest rides with the Go Pro Hero 3. This professional quality HD camera can shoot up to 60 frames per second, and has an 11 mega-pixel still camera. It comes with a waterproof housing, and assorted mounts so you can attach it to your helmet, handlebar, or even your seatpost. The tiny package weighs just 2.6-ounces and comes with Wi-Fi capability, which allows the camera to be controlled via a smartphone.

Instantly improve your descending abilities with this hydraulically locked and air-sprung dropper post . The cable connects to the base of the post—not on the shaft, which moves up and down—to prevent excess cable from rubbing against your frame or snagging on your leg. A carbon fiber remote lever controls 100mm to 150mm of travel depending on model and size. And for those who run ODI grips, the remote lever can replace the inner lock ring. The Lev is available in three sizes: 31.6mm, 30.9mm, and 27.2mm. Weight ranges from 510g to 580g, including remote and cable.

Gore’s Alp-X jacket is lightweight, waterproof, breathable jacket. Made from 100-percent Gore-Tex membrane, it is well ventilated and performs well in a variety of conditions. Hem-width is adjustable via an easy-to-use elastic draw-cord, and it has a foldaway tail to protect your back from mud flying off your rear tire. It is available in five sizes and four colors.

From XC racers to all-mountain riders, mountain bikers have been yearning for the simplicity of a single-ring set up. SRAM answers their call with the XX1—a 1x11 drivetrain, built around a giant 11-speed rear cassette with cogs ranging from 10 to 42 teeth. Because the XX1 system has just one chainring, it the front chainring teeth are designed to prevent the chain from skipping off, which reduces dropped chains. A variety of front chainring sizes are available to help riders find the perfect gear. The system does require a new freehub body for the rear wheel, which will be available from most major manufacturers this year.

Whether you’re shopping for a hardcore XC racer or dedicated trail rider, these carbon wheels are sure to please. At just 1,460 grams (for the 29er model) they weigh only 44 grams more than the more expensive EC90s, though they forgo the UST tubeless rim profile. The front hub comes in standard QR or 15mm thru-axle options. Rear hub options include 10x135mm QR, or a convertible model that accepts 12x135mm or 12x142mm thru-axles. The rim has an internal width of 20mm, which provides a solid footprint that should improve trail feel. Price: Info:

With 70 peaks above 18,000 feet, Peru is the quintessential mountain bike destination. Once the epicenter of the Incan Empire, the nation’s vertical landscape is crisscrossed by thousands of ancient trails that are ideal for exploration by bike. The highlight of this trip, which is offered by tour-operator Big Mountain Adventures, is the all-day romp on the Olleros Trail, a jaw-dropper that begins above 12,000 feet and ends 35 miles later with a dip in the Pacific Ocean.

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